Spring Classics

Tour of Flanders & Paris Roubaix

This is the best way to experience the Spring Classics, short of living in Belgium.

"Ronde van Vlaanderen," the Tour of Flanders, is a monument in the Spring Classics and one of the biggest races on the professional cycling calendar. This grueling event winds through the plains of Flanders before the climbs and cobbles that built this race's reputation, and finale laps of the Oude Kwaremont. Paris-Roubaix, often called "the Hell of the North," is one of the hardest single day races and one of the oldest, dating to 1896. Riders navigate 28 sections of cobbles before the exciting finish laps in the vélodrome. This legendary race is guaranteed to leave bodies bruised and egos battered while the winner receives a large cobble trophy. Trek Travel promises a VIP race experience.
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Dates

Daily Itinerary

Day

1

Today's Ride:

Bruges Casual SpinApproximately 40 miles with 320 feet of climbing

Description:

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Pand Hotel Bruges (Pandreitje 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium) at 1:00 PM on the first day of the trip. After meeting your guides at the hotel, your Spring Classics adventure begins as your guides introduce you to the features of your Trek bike and ensure you a perfect, comfortable fit. Enjoy lunch on your own at a nearby brasserie or take the chance to explore Grote Markt before taking a casual ride this afternoon along the Belgian coast. Tonight you’ll explore the historic town of Bruges and taste some of the locally brewed beers before indulging at a favorite local bistro before heading to bed early in anticipation of an incredible (albeit early) day tomorrow.

Hotel:

Day

2

Today's Ride:

Flanders Citizen RideApproximately 83 miles with 1,600 feet of climbing

Description:

It’s an early start with a morning shuttle to the start of the Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo (Flanders Citizen Ride). Test your mettle throughout the rolling countryside of West Flanders over which the Pros will battle for supremacy tomorrow. You’ll have the chance to experience for yourself the iconic climbs & cobblestone sections of the race with the support, encouragement and expertise of your Trek Travel guides on amazing Trek bikes - the perfect way to enjoy a ride on one of the oldest and most grueling races on the professional cycling calendar! Traverse legendary sectors such as Eikenberg, Oude Kwaremont, & Paterberg. Later you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch near the finish of the ride before exploring the Ronde van Vlaanderen Museum. After exploring the museum we head back to the comforts of our Bruges hotel to shower and relax before sharing race stories and insights during social hour and dinner together at another handpicked Belgian bistro.

Hotel:

Day

3

Today's Ride:

Description:

It is all about the race today! Get up close to the action to watch the Pros battling it out with viewing opportunities at the start, on the cobbled section in the heart of the race and also at the finish. Choose your own vantage point and soak up the atmosphere of this historic and festive event as you wait with anticipation for the riders to fly by. This is Belgium, and cycling is not a sport, it’s an obsession! First witness the cyclists in the Elite Women’s Tour of Flanders power over the course before the Elite Men’s peloton charges past. Witness racing history made right in front of you at today’s exciting and dramatic finish. Tonight toast to the Ronde van Vlaanderen with fellow race enthusiasts and traveling companions and as you all look forward to a great week of riding, racing and camaraderie, and prepare to tackle the Pro courses tomorrow.

Hotel:

Day

4

Today's Ride:

Description:

The Belgian countryside beckons today – and a chance to sample the ultimate beer! Start this morning spinning your wheels through enchanting quiet Belgian villages en route to the legendary Sint Sixtus Trappist brewery, home of the holy grail of beer drinkers - ‘Westvleteren 12’ - an exclusive brew considered by afficionados the best beer in the world, and sold exclusively and in very limited quantities in this abbey and in the neighboring village. On our way to Westvleteren, we will cycle through the town of Diksmuide passing a World War 1 heritage site of De I Jzertoren. After exploring this historical site, we will have a hearty lunch of local specialties and then continue to make our way to Westvleteren Sint Sixteen. After enjoying the Abbey, we will make our way to back to Bruges where you are on your own to explore a quaint restaurant for dinner.

Hotel:

Day

5

Today's Ride:

Bruges Country and Canal LoopApproximately 50 miles with 100 feet of climbing

Description:

This morning we will cycle around Bruges and the country side, tracing some of the canals that have made the city famous. After circumnavigating the region, we will return to Bruges for lunch. This afternoon, we want you to explore to explore this unique city with its wide variety of museums, chocolate shops, and pubs. Bruges is considered the Venice of the North with all its unique waterways and canals, and having ample time to explore this city is a must. Tonight we will dine in one of Bruge's fabulous brasseries.

Hotel:

Day

6

Today's Ride:

Kortrijk Casual Spin Approximately 25 miles with 500 feet of climbing

Description:

This morning we will wake up and have one last breakfast at the Pand Hotel. After breakfast you are welcome to explore the sights of Bruges on your own, whether it is to visit some chocolate or beer shops or take a boat ride along the many canals. After lunch on your own in one of Bruges great cafés or pubs, we’ll meet back at the Pand Hotel before shuttling to our next destination, Kortrijk. We’ll check into the Park Hotel and then go for a short spin around the Flemish countryside, after which you may decide to hit the brand new Wellness Avenue Spa for a massage or relax in the pool before our social hour in the hotel bar. Tonight you’ll explore the medieval town of Kortrijk and dine at a favorite local bistro.

Hotel:

Day

7

Today's Ride:

Oude Kwaremont Loop and Flanders LoopApproximately 60 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing

Avid Option:

Kortrijk to Oude Kwaremont and Flanders LoopApproximately 80 miles with 4,000 feet of climbing

Description:

Prepare yourself today for a race-lover’s nirvana as you head out on your Trek bicycle today. Today’s ride will showcase portions of the E3 Harelbeke course including Eikenberg, Paterberg, and Oude Kwaremont. Test yourself on the cobbles and climbs that make this race famous. This evening, you will toast each other’s exploits and shared passions with a lively social hour followed by a fantastic meal together, gearing up for Paris-Roubaix.

Hotel:

Day

8

Today's Ride:

Kortrijk Countryside RideApproximately 35 miles with 420 feet of climbing

Today's Activity:

Roubaix Challenge Packet Pick Up

Today's Activity:

Omer Brewery Tour

Description:

After breakfast at the hotel, take a short spin today in preparation for tomorrow’s Roubaix Citizens Challenge Ride. This will be an amazing and energizing opportunity to get out on the course with thousands of other riders to have a true Pro race experience. After the warm-up ride, you and your traveling companions will venture out to the Omer Brewery in Kortijk for a tour followed by lunch. Once you have returned from the tour, you can check in with your guide to discuss final adjustments and fine tuning for your bike to ensure you are completely ready for tomorrow’s epic ride. The Trek Domane is made for these roads! Dine at the stylish hotel restaurant tonight before heading to bed early in anticipation of an incredible (albeit early) day tomorrow.

Hotel:

Day

9

Today's Ride:

Avid Option:

Roubaix to Roubaix Full Course Citizens RideApproximately 95 miles with 689 feet of climbing

Description:

It’s an early start with a morning shuttle to the start of the Roubaix Challenge. Test your mettle on the full (or partial) Paris-Roubaix race course over which the Pros will battle for supremacy tomorrow. You’ll have the chance to experience for yourself the iconic cobblestone sections of the race with the support, encouragement and expertise of your Trek Travel guides on amazing Trek bikes - the perfect way to enjoy a ride on one of the oldest and most grueling races on the professional cycling calendar! Traverse legendary sectors such as the infamous Arenberg Forest and Carrefour de l’Arbre. Later you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch near the finish of the ride before heading back to the comforts of our Kortrijk hotel to shower and relax before sharing race stories and insights during social hour and dinner together at another handpicked Belgian bistro.

Hotel:

Day

10

Today's Activity:

Description:

Today is race day! Up close and personal with exclusive race and VIP access behind the scenes at Paris Roubaix -- the closest you can get to the race without joining the peloton! An early departure today will allow you to choose your own vantage point along the course to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the crowds as you await the first glimpses of the Pros. You'll have full access to a private bus and a chance to see some racers flying by before heading to the Roubaix Vélodrome, for the explosive finish from your VIP seats! Later you'll go on an exclusive behind the scenes visit to meet with Trek Factory Racing team representatives and see the team’s high tech Trek bikes and tour the race bus who'll offer a unique insight into the life and dynamic of the team during races. Tonight, toast to "the Hell of the North," the Trek Factory Racing team, great riding, and the ultimate race experiences of your Spring Classics adventure.

Dates & Pricing

2015

Hotels

Bruges, Belgium

The Pand Hotel, an 18th century carriage house, has been converted to a 26-bedroom boutique hotel. Situated in the heart of Bruges, on a quiet street just steps away from the historic Market Place, Burg Square, the canal, museums and boutiques.

Kortrijk, Belgium

Centrally located, and recently redesigned and renovated, the Park Hotel in Kortrijk offers a premier guest experience combining excellent facilities and superb access to the heart of Kortrijk's historic center. The chic, mimimalist styling is sure to leave an impression and the attentive service, onsite bar and restaurant and brand new fitness center and spa, ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay in this ancient Belgian city.

What's Included

We Include More

Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories. See more

In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Spring Classics: Flanders & Roubaix trip, you will stay in two perfectly situated hotels near the races and area’s best riding.

Daily breakfast, 7 lunches, social hour on some evenings, 6 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day’s ride

On our Spring Classics trip, you'll experience the best of Northern French country cuisine--a blend of French and Belgian cooking drawing on the abundant wealth of local products. Moules frites (steamed mussels and the ubiquitous Belgian fries), Flemish carbonnade, Belgian waffles, chocolate and of course, beer, are some of the local specialties.

The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable

Trek Travel water bottles

$300 USD off any 2015 5 Series or 6 Series Trek Domane including Project One and the Trek Emonda SL6 and SL8 models.

Trek Factory Racing team kit and customized Road ID

Thank your Guides, by tipping

Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. Industry standard is 5-10% of the trip price which will be divided by your guide team. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.

Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations

Lodging before and after the trip

Personal items purchased during the trip

Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel

On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership. Industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 5-10% of the trip price.

Gratuities for massage therapists may be given at your discretion at the time of service.

FAQs

Trip Changes

Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.

On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Spring Classics is best suited for our Type 3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is varied with rolling plains through Flemish countryside to the challenging famed cobbled climbs of the Ronde van Vlaaderen and long stretches of cobbled roads of Paris-Roubaix.

On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information. Some non-riding options on this trip are:

For an additional fee you may request to upgrade to the brand new Trek Emonda SLR with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting or Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels for the ultimate riding experience. Contact our trip consultants for more details.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellation policy.

Want to learn more about our race trip difference? Check out our Race FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that pertain to our race trips.

Travel Services

How to get there

We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Brussels National Airport (BRU). There is frequent bus and train service from the airport to the center of Brussels where you'll need to catch a train to Bruges. The trip to Bruges from BRU takes approximately 60 minutes. A taxi to the center of Brussels will cost approximately 35 euros. For more information about connections from the airport please consult www.BrusselsAirport.be or for train information www.b-rail.be.

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Pand Hotel (Pandreitje 16 B-8000 Bruges - Belgie) at 1:00 PM on the first day of the trip. After meeting your guides at the hotel, your Spring Classics adventure begins as your guides introduce you to the features of your Trek bike and ensure you a perfect, comfortable fit. Enjoy lunch on your own at a nearby brasserie or take the chance to explore Grote Markt before taking a casual ride this afternoon along the Belgian coast. Tonight you’ll explore the historic town of Bruges and taste some of the locally brewed beers before indulging at a favorite local bistro before heading to bed early in anticipation of an incredible (albeit early) day tomorrow.

If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Pand Hotel (+32 50 34 06 66), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi from the train station to the hotel will cost about 20 euros.

You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at the Park Hotel Kortrijk. After which you take the train from Kortrijk to your final destination. Please allow adequate connection time for a flight or train to accommodate possible traffic delays.

Before: Bruges, Belgium

Consider taking time before your trip to explore the charming city of Bruges, with its canals, stone footbridges, gabled buildings, turets and medieval architecture. Be sure to not miss dining in one of the many bistros on either of the two main squares, the "Market" and the "Burg." The Burg is home to a 14th century masterpiece, the town hall. The city boasts numerous museums, with collections ranging from Flemish Primitives to contemporary artists and everything in between. The city is very pedestrian-friendly and you will not be disappointed with a stay here. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:

Hotel Heritage Bruges

Perfectly situated near the Market Place, the four star boutique Hotel Heritage Relais & Châteaux is within easy walking distance of many of the city’s highlights, including the theater and shopping districts, gourmet restaurants and popular tourist attractions.

Martins Bruges

This hotel has elegantly designed rooms and a restaurant serving authentic Brugois cuisine along with endless specialty beers on tap.

Oude Burg 5 | +32 (0)50 44 51 11 | www.Martins-Hotels.com | ~$100

After: BRUSSELS, Belgium

Brussels has many charming and beautiful attractions, with ornate buildings on the Grand Place, and the fish-and-seafood overdose of St. Catherine’s Square. Stroll along, and stop in for a drink at one of the many bars on Place St-Géry, or shop to your heart’s content on the trendy Rue Antoine Dansaert. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:

Le Dixseptième

This hotel is located in the historic center and behind the La Monnaie opera house.The hotel is in a building that dates to the 14th century, and recently underwent a total renovation. It is a beautifully traditional hotel.

Hotel Be Manos

The hotel is part of the family owned hotel chain Manos and is a masterpiece of neo-70’s decor, hidden behind the façade of several 19th century mansions. Located at a stone’s throw from Brussels’ Midi station and its Eurostar terminal, this amazing hotel was listed in the April 2008 Condé Nast Traveler as one of the newest hot hotels in the world. It is a favorite among internationally known artists.This hotel provides an unexpected but wonderful experience of Brussels.

Experience It

Spring Classics Trip Photos

Trek Stories: Fabian Cancellara

Races are not always won by the fittest. A lot goes into winning and sometimes, the gods of cycling aren't with you. Last year the gods all but turned their back on Fabian Cancellara. Bad luck compounded by crashes and a peloton set against him. But it's a new day and heroes always rise.

Similar Trips

Trek Travel Difference

Our Bikes

Our unrivaled selection of Trek Bikes sets the bar for quality and comfort. From the full-carbon, ultra smooth Trek Domane 5.9, to the comfortable Trek 7.6 FX Hybrid–both included in the trip cost, to our numerous upgrade options, you deserve the best ride on your vacation.

Our Guides

Our guides are trained to make your trip magical. They aren't just experts in riding; they're trained in delivering uncompromising service in ways you won't believe. We know that it's the unexpected surprises that make a trip magical. That's why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.

Your Day. You Decide.

Our vacations are built to deliver the ultimate in flexibility, from extreme relaxers to hard-core roadies. You pick your mileage, itinerary and experiences. We take care of the rest.